CAPS Booklet

QCC CAPS refers to: CAPS Plan & CAPS Checklist

CAPS PLAN ~ What is a CAPS Plan?

A CAPS Plan is a web-based individualized educational plan that contains information on the student’s learning styles, career interests, career research, selected program of study, short and log term goals, and which courses to take the during the following two semesters. Students and Advisors can access the CAPS Plan through the Student
Portal. Students can change and update their CAPS Plan as they move through their coursework at QCC. CAPS Plans can be reviewed regularly by the student and advisor.

How can I develop a CAPS Plan?

Students enrolled in one of the Career and Academic Planning courses at QCC design their own CAPS Plans. Courses include – ORT 110, Strategies for College and Career (3 credits); PSY 115, Self-Assessment and Career Planning (3 credits); or ORT 109, Career and Academic Planning. Talk with your Academic Advisor about enrolling in one of these courses.

CAPS Checklist  ~ What is a CAPS Checklist?

The QCC CAPS Checklist is divided into four Stages, according to the number of credits that students complete. Each Stage has a CAPS Checklist- a guide that tells you, the student, and your advisor what needs to happen before you move on to the next stage.

Also see Overview and 

Details for Stage One | Stage Two | Stage Three | Stage Four

A=Advisor     S=Student

Where can I get a CAPS Checklist?

CAPS Checklists appear in the Student Handbook and the QCC Catalog. Academic Advisors and the Advising Centers on campus also have CAPS Checklists. Your Academic Advisor will guide you through your CAPS Checklist, particularly during Stage One. The remainder of this booklet outlines the activities for each stage.

OVERVIEW OF 4 STAGES

Stage ONE ~ 0 – 15 Credits

Advisor assumes primary responsibility.

The Advisor guides the student towards accomplishing the following activities and knowledge:

1. Advising and Course Registration. Prepare for Advising Session

2. Career and Academic Planning

3. QCC Processes, Procedures and Information Understand information from the QCC Student Handbook

4. QCC Services and Resources. Identify, Access and Use as Needed
 

Stage TWO 15 – 30 Credits

Advisor and student begin to share responsibility

In this Stage students are expected to accomplish the following activities, if applicable:

1. Advising and Course Registration. Prepare for Advising Session

2. Career and Academic Planning

3. QCC Processes, Procedures and Information. Understand information from the QCC Student Handbook

4. QCC Services and Resources. Identify, Access and Use as Needed

5. Schedule Mid-semester Advising Appointment

6. Transfer (begin process)

Stage THREE ~ 30 – 45 Credits
Student begins to assume more responsibility, advisor assists

In this stage students are expected to accomplish the following activities, if applicable:

1. Advising and Course Registration. Prepare for Advising Session
Schedule Mid-Semester Advising Appointment

2. Career and Academic Planning

3. QCC Processes, Procedures and Information Understand information from the QCC Student Handbook

4. QCC Services and Resources. Identify, Access and Use as Needed

5. Transfer

6. Career Placement

Stage FOUR ~ 45 – 60 Credits

Student assumes primary responsibility

In this stage students are expected to accomplish the following activities, if applicable:

1. Advising and Course Registration. Prepare for Advising Session Schedule Mid-Semester Advising Appointment

2. Career and Academic Planning -including Experience-Based Education

3. QCC Processes, Procedures and Information Understand information from the QCC Student Handbook

4. QCC Services and Resources. Identify, Access and Use as Needed

5. Transfer

6. Career Placement
7. Graduation
 

CAPS CHECKLIST Stage ONE  ~  0 – 15 Credits
Advisor assumes primary responsibility

The Advisor guides the student towards accomplishing the following activities:

1. Advising and Course Registration:
Prepare for Advising Session. Complete the following before meeting with Advisor:

_____ Address any HOLDS that may not allow you to register for courses
_____ View your academic record
_____ View your mid semester (Progress Report) and/or final grades
_____ Use the Degree Audit to see what courses you need in your QCC programs of interest, including the “What If” feature
_____ CAPS Plan. Review and Update academic and career goals and semester planning charts

_____ Review and Understand QCC Programs of Study and Related Careers
_____ Obtain QCC Catalog and Program of Study Information  and Individual Learning Center
_____ Obtain Course Schedule Booklet
_____ Select Courses and formulate a class schedule with a back-up (2nd choice) schedule
_____ Understand the Meaning of Prerequisite and Corequisite

2. Career and Academic Planning
_____ Begin Career and Academic Planning by registering for either ORT 110, PSY 115, or ORT 109 5. Career Placement
_____ Complete CAPS Plan if enrolled in ORT 110, ORT 109 or PSY 115
_____ Apply to QCC Degree or Certificate Program

3. QCC Processes, Procedures and Information. Understand the following from the QCC Student Handbook:
_____ College Calendar
_____ Grading System and Policy cover letter
_____ Satisfactory Academic Progress _____ Attend Career Fairs
_____ Consequences of Course Withdrawal
_____ Dates for Add/Drop Period
_____ Student Discipline

4. QCC Services and Resources. Identify, Access and Use as Needed:
_____ Advising Center or Your Faculty Advisor or Health Careers Center
_____ Registrar’s Office
_____ Payment Center
_____ Counseling
_____ Disabilities Support Services
_____ Experience-Based Education Office
      ____ Obtain information on possible credits for life and work experience
      ____  Identify possible credit through competency exams
_____ Admissions
_____ Financial Aid- obtain information on policies, procedures and dates
_____ The Learning Center: the Library, Math Center, Communication Skills Center and Individual Learning Center
_____ Student Activities
_____ Transfer Office

5. Mid-semester Advising. Meet with Advisor to:
_____ Review Mid-Semester Grades (Progress Report)
_____ Review and update CAPS Plan
_____ Register for Next Semester

CAPS CHECKLIST Stage TWO ~ 15 – 30 Credits
Advisor and student begin to share the responsibility

In this Stage students are expected to accomplish the following activities, if applicable:

1. Advising and Course Registration
_____ Schedule appointment with Advisor (Faculty or Advising Center or Health Careers Center) by mid semester

Prepare for Advising Session. Complete the following before meeting with Advisor:

_____ Address any HOLDS that may not allow you to register for courses
_____ View your academic record
_____ View your mid semester (Progress Report) and/or final grades
_____ Use the Degree Audit to see what courses you need in your QCC programs of interest, including the “What If” feature
_____ CAPS Plan. Review and Update academic and career goals and semester planning charts
_____ Review and Understand QCC Programs of Study and Related Careers via QCC catalog
_____ View Course Schedule for next semester or obtain Printed Course Schedule Booklet
_____ Understand the Meaning of Prerequisite and Corequisite
_____ Select Courses and formulate a class schedule with a back-up (2nd choice) schedule
_____ Discuss ALL above activities with Advisor. Obtain Advisor Registration Clearance if your plan to register on-line
_____ Register for Courses

2. Career and Academic Planning
_____ Research possible Careers associated with your programs of interest
_____ Understand actual careers associated with QCC Degree and Certificate Programs
_____ Complete or modify CAPS Plan if appropriate
_____ Apply to QCC Degree or Certificate Program if you have not already applied

3. QCC Processes, Procedures and Information. Use the QCC Student Handbook to Review and Understand the following:
_____ College calendar
_____ Grading policy
_____ How to calculate your G.P.A. (grade point average)
_____ Consequences of Course Withdrawal
_____ Dates for Add/Drop Period
_____ Student discipline

4. QCC Services and Resources. Identify, and Use as Needed:
_____ Advising Center or Your Faculty Advisor or Health Careers Center
_____ Registrar’s Office
_____ Payment Center
_____ Counseling
_____ Disabilities Support Services
_____ Experience-Based Education Office- obtain possible credits for life and work experience
_____ Admissions
_____ Financial Aid- obtain information on policies, procedures and dates
_____ The Learning Center: the Library, Math Center, Communication Skills Center and Individual Learning Center
_____ Student Activities
_____ Career Placement Services

5. Transfer
_____ Meet with Transfer Counselor if planning to Transfer to identify potential programs/schools for transfer.

CAPS CHECKLIST   Stage THREE ~  30 – 45 Credits
Student begins to assume responsibility, advisors assists.
 

In this stage students are expected to accomplish the following activities, if applicble:

1. Advising and Course Registration
_____ Schedule appointment with Advisor (Faculty or Advising Center or Health Careers Center) by mid semester

Prepare for Advising Session. Complete the following before meeting with Advisor:
_____ Address any HOLDS that may not allow you to register for courses
_____ View your academic record
_____ View your mid semester (Progress Report) and/or final grades
_____ Use the Degree Audit to see ensure program requirements are being met
_____ CAPS Plan. Review and Update academic and career goals and semester planning charts
_____ Review and Understand QCC Programs of Study and Related Careers via QCC catalog
_____ View Course Schedule for next semester or obtain Printed Course Schedule Booklet
_____ Select Courses and formulate a class schedule with a back-up (2nd choice) schedule
_____ Research Possible Careers associated with your QCC Program
_____ Discuss ALL above activities with Advisor. Obtain Advisor Registration Clearance if your plan to register on line
_____ Register for Courses

2. QCC Processes, Procedures and Information. Use the QCC Student Handbook to Review and Understand the following:
_____ College calendar
_____ Grading policy
_____ How to calculate your G.P.A. (grade point average)
_____ Consequences of Course Withdrawal
_____ Dates for Add/Drop Period
_____ Student discipline

3. QCC Services and Resources. Identify, and Use as Needed:

_____ Advising Center or Your Faculty Advisor or Health Careers Center

_____ Registrar’s Office

_____ Address any HOLDS that may not allow you to register for courses _____ Payment Center

_____ Counseling

_____ Disabilities Support Services

_____ Experience-Based Education Office--obtain possible credits for life and work experience

_____ Admissions

_____ Financial Aid- obtain information on policies, procedures and dates

_____ The Learning Center: the Library, Math Center, Communication Skills Center

_____ Student Activities

_____ Contact Faculty if needed and Understand the Purpose of Faculty Office Hours

4. Transfer
_____ Meet with Transfer Counselor if Planning to Transfer to identify potential programs/schools for transfer

5. Career Placement

_____ Know licensing and board requirements specific to program (see Faculty Advisor)

_____ Attend Career Placement Services Orientation
_____ Understand job specific and transferable skills

_____ Initiate and complete co-op, service learning, or internship if required by program of study and/or to increase future employment opportunities

_____ Document skills and accomplishments effectively in a resume and
____ Attend Career Fairs

CAPS CHECKLIST Stage FOUR ~ 45 - 60 Credits
Student assumes primary responsibility.

In this stage students are expected to accomplish the following activities, if applicable:

1. Advising and Course Registration
_____ Schedule appointment with Advisor (Faculty or Advising Center or  Health Careers Center) by mid semester
_____ Review degree audit to ensure that program requirements are being met. *Manual degree audit through Registrar’s office is recommended
_____ Update CAPS Plan with current career and educational goals and semester planning chart
_____ Register for courses

2. Experience Based Education
_____ Complete the necessary documentation for prior learning, including life and work experience in the form of a portfolio through experienced based education

3. Transfer Meet with Transfer Counselor to:
_____ Investigate and select potential transfer institutions
_____ Complete applications and send transcripts
_____ Obtain letters of recommendation
_____ Write and refine personal statements
_____ Identify and apply for scholarships
_____ Apply for financial aid- obtain information on policies, procedures and dates
_____ Identify QCC courses that will transfer to selected institutions
_____ Identify additional QCC courses that may need to be taken to meet  transfer requirements
_____ Identify and contact appropriate support services (Disability Services, Housing.) at transfer institution

4. Career Placement
____ Know licensing and board requirements specific to program (see Faculty Advisor)
_____ Attend Career Placement Services Orientation
_____ Initiate and complete co-op, service learning, or internship if required by program of study and/or to increase future employment opportunities
____ Understand job specific and transferable skills
_____ Document skills and accomplishments effectively in a resume and cover letter
_____ Demonstrate the elements of successful interviewing
_____ Perfect job readiness skills including written and verbal communication abilities
_____ Conduct an organized and effective job search
_____ Obtain letters of recommendation
_____ Attend Career Fairs

5. Graduation
_____ Complete intent to graduate card and return to Registrar’s office
_____ Get measured for cap and gown
_____ Attend financial aid exit interview
_____ Meet the requirements of the commencement attendance policy
_____ Meet all QCC outstanding financial and other obligations (overdue books, parking tickets, bills...)

6. Alumni Opportunities
_____ Complete follow-up surveys
_____ Serve on QCC program advisory boards
_____ Assist QCC students with career development activities (informational interviews, co-ops, internships)
_____ Participate in QCC alumni sponsored events
_____ Represent QCC and program of study/completion to prospective students and interested community members